Wednesday, October 3rd
7:30 PM - Pool Running, 70 min
15 min easy
5 x (1 min hard, 2 min easy)
5 x (2 min hard, 1 min easy)
5 x (1 min hard, 2 min easy)
10 min easy
Tufts Pool
Another busy day today which started with my first appointment at Fitzgerald Physical Therapy Associates. Holly did a full evaluation and came to some insightful conclusions that made a lot of sense. Right now, it looks like there are a few different things contributing to this on going PF issue, with the biggest issue being my ankle sprain last summer that never really healed properly and made my talar joint and surrounding ligaments weaker, which in turn led to several other issues on that side. So she started by giving me some exercises to do on my own, and tomorrow, we'll start in with a more hands on approach and hopefully make some progress.
Over the last few days, I've had a chance to talk with 3 of my closest friends and catch up with them on their training and life in general. These 3 individuals also happen to be aspiring distance runners like myself. They are all extremely talented and have added a great deal to the inspiration and motivation for my running passion over the past few years. These 3 people happen to be in 3 completely different areas of the country (Redondo Beach, CA; Ann Arbor, MI; and Boston, MA) but yet they are all struggling in their current situations. Whether it be because of ongoing injury problems, overwhelming work related stress, or adapting to a new location without a familiar circle of friends. They are all having to dig deep for something to keep them motivated and something that will help them regain that drive that they know is there.
As we all know, this can be a difficult sport to be successful in. There are many of us out there taking a risk by chasing our dreams and trying to become the best we can be... but it seems there are so many obstacles in our way, so many reasons not to keep this up and just take the easy way out by becoming a recreational runner or just giving up completely. It seems there are more reasons to give up then there are reasons to keep running; but even if it's just one reason, we all have something that keeps us from hanging up those spikes and a reason which forces us to get out the door each day in hopes of getting at least one step closer to that dream. Despite all the struggle, all the frustration, and all the low points, these 3 people mentioned above are still keeping up the daily grind and still chasing after something they will always believe in. My heart goes out to these amazing people as they struggle through these tough times and I hope they at least know they're not alone out there. You guys have given me so much and have been a major factor in the little success that I've had. You 3, along with the rest of my support team, are my reasons to get out the door each day. You know who you are and I hope you keep finding that motivation that will eventually get you to the level we all know you're capable of achieving. And even if you don't get to the level you desire, at least know that you've helped this struggling athlete achieve so much more because of your ongoing attitude and support.
Quote of the Day (stolen from Mario):
“I’m not a talented guy. I just work real hard. I truly believe there are a lot of guys out there who could make the Olympic Trials if they’re willing to work their asses off for seven or eight years.”- James Carney
2 comments:
"talar" joint :)
ahh, thanks. I figured I had it wrong.
Post a Comment